Rep. Cuellar Announces $15 Million in Federal Funds for Water and Wastewater Projects on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Written by admin, Aug 30, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Charlotte Laracy,
Laredo, TX – During a virtual event, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $15 million in federal funds to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 for the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP), which funds technical assistance and infrastructure construction grants for high-priority municipal drinking water and wastewater projects. These funds are provided to the North American Development Bank (NADB), which administers them on behalf of EPA Region 6 for projects in Texas and New Mexico.
“The BWIP program has been crucial in ensuring safe drinking water and funding strong wastewater treatment systems that strengthen the public health for our border communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This federal investment will provide wastewater treatment and collection, creating both economic and health advantages for the region. As a senior Appropriator, I have helped procure $95 million for the BWIP program since 2016, including $25 million this year alone. While lawmakers tried to defund this lifesaving program, I provided robust funding and will continue to fight for funding that further modernizes our infrastructure and improves the quality of life on the southern border.”
“I would like to thank NADB Managing Director Mateos-Hanel and the rest of his team for their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for people living along the U.S.-Mexico border by financing infrastructure projects for cleaner water, air, and land. I also want to thank Senator Cornyn and Congressman Hurd for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of border communities.”
“We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Cornyn and Congressmen Cuellar and Hurd for addressing high-priority water and wastewater needs in the U.S.-Mexico border region,” stated NADB Managing Director Calixto Mateos-Hanel. “I would also like to recognize the great partnership built since 1997 between EPA and the Bank that has benefitted close to 10 million border residents.”
“Reliable water infrastructure is one of the most important components of public health and is especially true for communities in the U.S.-Mexico border region,” said Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. “Bringing water services to small border communities will improve environmental and health outcomes for the broader region. I thank Congressman Cuellar and Congressman Hurd, Senator Cornyn, and NADB Managing Director Calixto Mateos-Hanel for their partnership in bringing needed infrastructure to this region.”
